Govt has new policy to revitalise JA's railway service

The Government is reportedly closer to restarting service provided by the Jamaica Railway Corporation after more than a decade of dormancy.

Michael Henry, Transport Minister, says the administration has embarked on a new policy to identify, pursue and implement sub-projects which will, over time, generate sufficient income to bring financial stability to the rail company.

He alluded to an Economic Impact Assessment study undertaken by British engineering consultancy firm, Halcrow Group last year.

The study concluded that rehabilitation of Jamaica's rail service is feasible.

The Transport Minister says this conclusion, supports previous JRC-commissioned studies, undertaken by entities such as China CAMC Engineering Company in 2006, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2008.

The studies placed emphasis on cargo movement between Kingston and Montego Bay in St. James, Spanish Town and Ewarton in St. Catherine, as well as tourism-related activities between Montego Bay and Appleton in St. Elizabeth.

Mr. Henry noted the Golding administration's recognition of the challenges arising from efforts to fund a total railway rehabilitation project in the current environment, hence the decision to pursue bankable sub-projects.